GREENVILLE, S.C., Oct. 1, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Proterra, the leading provider of zero-emission commercial transit solutions, is proud to announce that its EcoRide™ BE35 battery-electric bus has become the first heavy-duty electric transit bus ever to pass the Federal Transit Administration's Altoona bus testing. Testing simulates 12 years of vehicle life and ensures reliability and in-service performance of transit buses by providing an unbiased and accurate comparison of bus models.

The EcoRide BE35 is also the first zero-emissions full-size bus to pass Altoona and was proven to have both the highest fuel economy (22 mpg average) and lowest noise (57 dBA or 10 times lower) of any full-size passenger bus ever tested.

While CNG buses are currently more common in the marketplace, the battery-electric option is truly zero-emissions, more fuel-efficient, quieter and can be powered by a wider range of energy sources.

"Coming on the heels of greater overall consumer demand for more sustainable passenger car options, the fact that a full-size electric bus has passed Altoona testing can be a true game-changer for American commuting and transportation by providing a 'greener' option for the masses," said Proterra CEO David Bennett.

Proterra is the only U.S.-based manufacturer of clean technology, 100 percent battery-electric heavy-duty transit buses. The company's EcoRide™ BE35 battery-electric buses recharge in less than 10 minutes, ready to serve the community with clean electric powered bus service as a direct replacement for existing diesel and CNG buses. The 35-foot long buses are made of lightweight composite materials and are powered with state-of-the-art battery technology. The buses have zero emissions, run virtually silent and are more than 500 percent more fuel efficient than diesel buses. The company's buses have been or soon will be in operation in the following cities: Austin, Texas; Burbank, Calif.; Columbia, S.C.; Fort Lewis, Wash.; Pomona, Calif.; San Antonio, Texas; Tallahassee, Fla.; Seneca, S.C. and Stockton, Calif.

About Proterra With manufacturing in Greenville, S.C., Proterra is a leading designer and manufacturer of heavy-duty electric drive systems, energy storage systems, vehicle control systems, transit buses and fast-charging stations. Proterra's systems are scalable to commercial buses of all sizes. Its ground-up designs have led to the EcoRide, the world's first full-size, 10-minute charge transit bus. Proterra is funded by a solid core of influential investors, such as Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers and General Motors Ventures. For more information on Proterra and its technology, please visit: www.proterra.com.